Johnson said in a university release that he is excited about the opportunity.

“I’m just really thankful to (Reinhart athletic director) Bill Popp and the search committee for having the confidence in me to move the program forward,” Johnson said. “I’m just humbled and honored by the opportunity and look forward to working hard to give these guys a first-class student-athlete experience here at Reinhardt.”

Johnson replaces Dan Farnham, who went 6-8-4 last fall with a 2-5-2 mark in the AAC. Farnham spent 13 years as the Eagles’ coach.

Johnson was at the helm at Bryan for two years.

In 2013, the Lions were No. 21 in the NAIA at season’s end. Bryan swept the AAC regular-season and tournament championships, with Johnson earning his second AAC coach of the year award in as many seasons.

In Johnson’s first year at Bryan, the Lions finished in a tie for second in the AAC regular-season and was ranked as high as No. 15 in the NAIA.

Before a short stint at UNC Wilmington, an NCAA Division I program, Johnson served as the associate head coach at Bryan from 2006-09. In that span of four seasons, the Lions compiled 47 wins, two AAC titles and qualified for the NAIA tournament for the first time in school history.

As a player, Johnson played at both Bryan and NCAA Division I Liberty. Johnson was the leading scorer for both programs, helping Liberty to the Big South Conference championship game in 1994 and garnering Big South all-conference honors twice.

Johnson played seven years professionally in South America, the United States and Canada.

Popp said he is looking forward to what Johnson can do with the team.

“Joey is a proven winner, both on and off the soccer field,” the Reinhardt athletic director said in the release. “He has worked hard to become one of the most respected coaches in the NAIA. I am certain that he will lead our men’s soccer program to heights it has not experienced at this level, and more importantly, he’ll develop high-character young men as well.”

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